The three-day workshop in Nakuru from 18-20 February aimed to help the drivers to organise themselves better in order to ensure decent working conditions as they deliver goods and services across the entire East African sub-region. It was also attended by representatives of the ITF, employers, officials from Nakuru county and Kenya police officers.
The ITF highlighted the many challenges facing Kenyan truck drivers, such as long working hours, excessive delays at border-crossing points, police harassment, a lack of fair terms and conditions, and a lack of medical cover while employers paid hefty amounts to insure their vehicles and goods.
In response, Nakuru county governor Kinuthia Mbugua implored employers to organise regular medical check-ups for truck drivers and to take steps to ensure road safety, while also challenging truck drivers to behave responsibly and with self-respect on the roads.
Nicholas Mbugua, KLDTDU general secretary, said: “I am optimistic that with the support of the county government and other labour and transport stakeholders, all truck drivers and other road transport workers along the highway will be registered with the union, which is mandated with championing their rights.”
He added that the workshop was crucial in addressing vital issues for those working along the East African northern transport corridor, such as HIV/AIDS issues among transport workers, labour laws and road safety. Participants expressed their optimism about finding lasting solutions to these problems.
